administration will provide a giant TV screen for residents of Kapsisiywa to watch Kipchoge live and most residents have high expectations that he will set the record below two hours.

Hundreds of athletes from the region visited Kipchoge to wish him well as he trained for the challenge. Veteran athlete Kipchoge Keino was among those urging him on and anticipating success.

“I have watched him running and also as an ordinary person here at home and I believe he is a much focused athlete who can make it,” Kipchoge said.

Another veteran athlete, Moses Tanui, said Kipchoge was a very focused person whose humility and great spirit makes him a rare person who can succeed where many dare not try.

“As athletes, we wish him well and it will be a great honour to this country to see him achieve that record. It’s very possible,” Tanui said.

Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei said mothers in the country were proud of Kipchoge as a great son.

“Kipchoge is the best for the INEOS Challenge and he will make it because he has rare determination and fighting spirit that is backed by his equally rare character as a human being of humble always,” Mitei said.

Budding athlete Maryline Kwambai from Iten says Kipchoge has always been an inspiration to young athletes. She says he always advises athletes to be focused, disciplined and determined.

“We always see a father figure in Kipchoge and the few times I have met him he always tells me the secrets of success including being God fearing and respect for everyone I encounter. I'm proud of Kipchoge and his success at the INEOS Challenge will be success for Kenyans and all humanity,” Kwambai said.

A bank manager where Kipchoge is a client in Eldoret said he had never seen a great person, famed worldwide, but who always remains humble and seeks no recognition in society despite the greatness.

“We always get surprised to see Kipchoge queuing like any other person whenever he comes to the bank. He always insists on following the queue because he considers himself like any other customer. That is the greatness in him and no wonder he is going for greatest challenge in Vienna,” the bank manager said.

Governor Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu said the North Rift region was greatly honoured to have Kipchoge. He said Eliud Kipchoge was now brand name that markets the region and the country.

“He is a great son of this country and we are greatly indebted to him for the honour and fame he has brought us,” Mandago said.

He said Kipchoge was unique person who would make the challenge. Residents of Eldoret will watch the challenge on a giant screen erected in Eldoret town by Mandago’s administration.

The INEOS Challenge promises to bring not only Kapsisiywa village to a halt but the entire region and the country. Its Eliud Kipchoge’s name all over the place.